Centenary Year

In 2018 as we mark 100 years of the first votes for women we are at a tipping point. Women, girls and their male allies are standing together to reject misogyny, violence and sexism and to demand change.

We remember the suffrage campaigners of the past and their struggle over many decades for women’s rights including the right to vote. They faced many barriers and set-backs. Yet they persisted. Their triumph inspires us to know that we too can succeed. Anything is possible.

But there are also those who would turn the clock back. Those who would undo the progress of the past. The truth is equality won’t happen on its own. So we have to fight on and find the next generation who will step forward to drive change.

Be a part of Millicent Fawcett's movement

Thanks to a campaign led by Caroline Criado Perez, Millicent Fawcett is now the first woman commemorated with a statue in Parliament Square – a landmark moment for the wider suffrage movement, and for women everywhere.

Watch the story of how the statue of Millicent Garrett Fawcett was made below.

Video credit: Mayor of London

It's been 100 years since some women secured the vote - but as ourSex and Power 2018 reportshows,we clearly still have a long way to go. Equality won't happen if we don't fight for it. We've got to make it happen. We will continue Millicent's legacy by ensuring 2018 is a year of victories for girls and women everywhere.

Will you join our call for a fairer, more equal society? Honour Millicent Fawcett today by becoming a Fawcett member at this crucial time for gender equality.

CARE International’s #March4Women, which The Fawcett Society is partnering on, brings together people of all genders to end the injustice of gender discrimination and inequality, and help make a more equal world – for everyone.

‘Sylvia’, an energetic and modern hip hop musical celebrating the life of Sylvia Pankhurst, will then open the rally. The list of wonderful speakers on the programme includes Isabel Adomakoh Young, actor, writer and activist speaking on behalf of 50:50 Parliament, poet Salen Godden, Bianca Jagger, Nazma Akter, one of Bangladesh's foremost labour leaders fighting for an end to violence against women in the garment industry, Faeeza Vaid, director of Muslim Women’s Network and Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, lawyer and women’s rights campaigner, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, with more to be confirmed. A musical finale, with produced by film composer David Arnold, will close a powerful and celebratory day.

Women making a difference around the world

Join us to #March4Women in March 2018 and celebrate thetrailblazing womenof then and now, who fought and continue to fight for equality.

Men have a part to play too

We were thrilled to see so many men and boys join us to #March4Women in 2017 –take a moment to find out why. We welcome all activists and allies for gender equality at #March4Women.

Join us in March 2018

Save the date: join us on Sunday 4 March 2018 for the biggest, noisiest and most celebratory #March4Women yet! Sign up to attend for free using the link below.

Sexism, harassment and violence are huge barriers that women face globally in the workplace. Last year, #March4Women supporters called on the government to do more tosupport vulnerable refugees, especially women and girls. With #March4Women 2018 we will be asking you to join us in calling foran end to gender-based discrimination and violence in the workplace, around the world. Read Fawcett's landmark Sex Discrimination Law Review to find out why this is a critical time to reform the law so women everywhere have better access to justice.

6 MARCH - 30 NOVEMBER 2018: Showcasing images of Mary Watts alongside newspaper clippings, which record her participation in the Great Suffragist Pilgrimage and her impassioned speech at a 1913 meeting

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The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights. If you believe in a society where no one is prevented from reaching their full potential because of their gender, join us today.

Millicent Fawcett began campaigning for women’s equality in 1866, and was instrumental in achieving first votes for women in 1918. At The Fawcett Society, we’ve continued her legacy of fighting sexism through impactful research and hard-hitting campaigns for over 150 years.

We’re delighted to have a growing number of active and effective local women’s rights meet ups, who work in the local community to enforce change and campaign on our behalf. Their work is invaluable to Fawcett.

Inspire others: Volunteer with Future Fawcett

2018 marks 100 years since women first secured the right to vote, and we're marking it by launching Future Fawcett, an education outreach programme to inspire young people through our suffrage history, and teach them about women's rights today.

We need volunteers to make it happen. Are you ready to inspire the next generation of feminists?

Don't let the clock turn back on women's rights. Donate today.

We've been fighting for over 150 years to win hard-earned rights for women living in Britain. With Brexit on the horizon, it's more important than ever that we stand together to defend them. Will you stand with us, and help end gender inequality for good?